Can Marijuana Treat Depression?

Posted on June 4, 2018October 29, 2018

Are your days clouded by sadness, apathy and fatigue? Millions of Americans suffer from emotional and mental distress. According to research, depression impacts over 19 million Americans every year, regardless of age, race or gender, making it one of the most common mood disorders. What’s more, its symptoms are often left unnoticed and untreated, especially when they coincide with difficult life events or other medical illnesses.

Traditionally, depression has been treated with antidepressants and/or psychotherapy. There is, however, an alternative to this medical strategy: cannabis, or medical marijuana. More and more people who face depression on a daily basis search “marijuana stores near me” on the Internet to find a way to ease depression symptoms.

“Where is the closest dispensary to my location and can it help me treat depression?” Keep on reading to find out the answer to this question and learn how the science behind cannabis works.

Understanding depression

Depression is a serious medical illness and a common mental health disorder that negatively influences the way you think, feel and act. Those suffering from depression frequently lose interest and pleasure in activities they once enjoyed. They often start feeling worthless and guilty, which leads to an increased risk of suicide.

Depression usually follows or precedes chronic pain and anxiety disorders. Common symptoms of this illness include disturbed sleep, lack of energy and concentration, difficulty making decisions, weight loss or gain, and increased stress.

How can cannabis help treat depression?

Cannabis consumption affects a biological system in the human body known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis. It is involved in regulating a wide range of bodily functions, such as appetite, pain and mood.

The ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, endocannabinoids (molecules acting as neurotransmitters) and enzymes. When CBD, THC and other cannabinoids found in marijuana enter the body, they mimic endocannabinoids and interact with CB1 and CB2, which are found predominantly in the human nervous system, brain and spinal cord.

By working with our body’s ECS and altering the way it is functioning, cannabinoids can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Is that enough to ask yourself the question “Should I go to the closest dispensary to my location for some much-needed relief?” If not, keep on reading!

Marijuana leaves, cannabis buds cultivation

THC vs. CBD for depression

CB1 receptors are important for mood, sleep, pain, appetite regulation, etc. Therefore, the activation of CB1 receptors can have antidepressant effects. THC mainly binds to CB1 receptors, whereas CBD attaches both to the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

It is found that people with depression have lower levels of a brain protein called BDNF.According to a 2012 study, long-term treatment with THC can raise BDNF, alleviating the symptoms of depression. THC encourages the production and release of Anandamide in the brain. This neurotransmitter is believed to control the overall feeling of well-being. THC also stimulates the Neurogenesis area of the Hippocampus, which leads to the creation of new neurons and helps reduce depression.

The non-psychoactive CBD behaves as a fast-acting antidepressant by activating the ECS and increasing serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a naturally-occurring substance in the brain that helps regulate mood, appetite, sleep, etc. It is one of the most important neurotransmitters that most antidepressant medications target. Antidepressants, however, often come with adverse side effects or have no effect at all.

Depression-friendly strains

“Can the closest dispensary to my location provide a depression-friendly cannabis strain?” The answer to this question is: it depends. It’s advisable that you buy cannabis from reputable marijuana dispensaries offering high-quality products. Only knowledgeable personnel can recommend suitable marijuana strains that can help you with the symptoms of depression.

What is the closest dispensary to my location that can provide relief from depression?

Looking for the best cannabis for medical or recreational purposes? No need to type “closest dispensary to my location” in the search box! Reach out to People’s OC, the largest dispensary in California. Here you can find first-class cannabis, including extract, flowers, edibles, topicals, gear and more!

Our friendly and knowledgeable team will recommend specific strains for your needs and preferences. Check out our online inventory and come by our dispensary in Orange County for guided relief.